Stamp vending and affixing machine.



G. I.. REICHHELM.

STAMP VENDING AND AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2l. IBII.

Patented Aug. 6,1918.

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G. L. REICHHELM.

STAMP VENDING AND AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. ZI, l9lI.

Patented Aug. 6, 1918 ISHEETS-SHEET 2 Zaaema f @607:98 Z, Ruwe/ml G. L. RECHHELM.

STAMP VENDING AND AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man rau. 21. 191|.

1,274,448. Palenred Aug'. G, 1918.

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G. L. REICHHELM.

STAMP vENmNG AND AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FB. 2l. |9ll.

Patent'ed Aug. 6, 1918.

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G. L. REICHHELM.

STAMP VEIIIDINGl AND AFFIXING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED mi. 2I. I9II.

' 1,274,448. PatenIedAI1g.6,1918.

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G. L. REICHHELM.

STAMP VENDING AND ArFlxING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB- 2l 191|.

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Putented Aug. 6, 1918.

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G. L. REICHHELM.

STAMP VENDING AND AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2l. |9II.

Patented Aug. 6, 1918.

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MN M, M, MW

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE L. REICHHELM, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO I. R. MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

STAMP VENDING AND AFFIXING MACHINE.

Application filed February 21, 1911.

To ZZ whom, it may concer-n:

Be it known that I, Geenen L. REICHIIELM, a citizen of the United States, residing at Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stamp Vending and Afixing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

Theobject of my invention is to provide a simple and eiiicient mechanism for delivering and atl'ixing postage stamps, labels, or similar articles, to envelops, packages, and the like.

My invention includes a number of novel constructions and combinations ot' elements, which very effectively produce the results sought. They will be fully described in the following specification and set forth in the claims. Other objects and advantages of my new mechanism will become more fully apparent in the said specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of the greater portion oi' the mechanism, with the casing, the base, and certain other parts shown in section. In this figure the parts are shown in their normal position, as they would appear when the machine is not being 0perated.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same mechanism after the first step in the operation hasbeen completed. This step comprises the movements Jfrom the normal position of theparts to the moment when the ailixing lever reaches the first or end stamp'ot' the ribbon..l

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the same mechanism, with the parts in the position which they occupy at the end of the third step in the operation. In this step the atlixinglever has reached a position which is about a quarter of an inch from the base of the machine. In .this position of thel parts a lug on the aiiixing lever has reached a lug on the bender-plate carrier.

Fig. 1 is a side view of the same mechanism showing the parts in the position they linally `occupy when the afiixing lever is pressing the stamp firmly against the envelop and the severing lever has moved to its lowermost position. In this position of Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Auw. 6, 1918.

Serial No. 609,881.

the parts the bender-plate carrier has also been moved downwardly a short distance.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 o't' Fig. 1., and showing the benderplate and a sectional view oi' the tension rollers.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6 6 of Fig. 1, showing chiefly the relation of the bender-plate-actuating lever and its relation to the bender-plate and benderplate carrier.

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken along the line 7 7 ot Fig. 1, showing principally the reel and its mode of attachment to the trame.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view along the line 8-8 of Fig. 1, showing ehiefiy the pivotal support of the aflixing lever and benderplate carrier.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the afiixing lever.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bender-plate carrier.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the severing lever.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the wiper lever.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the wiper.

Fig. 14 is a detail showing the relation of the'afiixing lever, wiper lever, and wiper when in their normal positions.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the same; and

Fig. ,16 is a cross section of the base of the machine, taken along the line 16-16 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 17 shows a modification in the stamp engaging and severing parts.

Fig. 18 is a perspectife view of a modification of the severing lever.

Fig. 19 shows a modification of one of the parts.

Referring more particularly to F 1 ot' the drawings, my invention will be seen to comprise mechanism by which the ribbon or strip of stamps 20 is operated upon in such a manner as to deliver and allix one of said stamps upon the envelop or like package 23. The envelop may be supported during the operation by the hase Q4.

An essential feature of my invention conssts in mechanism for bending the first or end stamp 22 of the ribbon or strip 20 t0 a position at an angle with said strip. l/Vith the end stamp in thlsposition itis very conveniently and effectively engaged by moistening and. atliXing mechanism, which will" be more fully described later.

The ribbon of stamps is preferably supplied to the machine inl the form of a coil or roll, which is placed upon the reel 21. rl`his reel may be removed-for the insertion of aznewproll of stamps, and readily replaced in. themachine.

The ribbon of stamps isthreaded through certain feeding' and controlling mechanism, which is .carrieclin a great measure by the pivoted lever Q5. This-pivoted lever I preferably callthe bender-plate-carrying lever, for reasons which will presentlyappear.

Upon the bender-plate-carrying lever 25 are mounted rollers 26 and 27, around which the ribbon passes-onits way to the'delivering and affixing mechanism.` In passing around these rollers the ribbon makes what` may be termed a double turn. tiirst passes around one of the rollers, then passes between the rollers, and finally makes another vturn .around Vthe second roller.

The ribbon then passes through a channelshaped lateral projection 28 upon the lever 25.y it finally passes below and around the lower extremity or `edge' of the bender "parese The end stamp QQis bent around the lower extremity of the bender-plate, by mechanism which will be more fully described' later, to an angular position with relation Vto the body of the ribbon. then in tliis position it lies in the path of an aftixing member or lever 30, which has a laterally projecting Iflat portion 31, adapted to engage the face of the stamp 22 and carry it downwardly to the envelop or package 23. p

Another important :element of 4my 'invention consists in the wiper 32, which serves the chief purpose of carrying moisture to the under or gumnied surface of the stamp; This wiper also has another important function to perform, which consists in exerting transmitsv said pressurezto the aiiixing lever 30 throughfthe pivotal connection with said afIiXing leverand through a spring 37, vas will be more fully describedlater,

The bender-plate-actuating lever 35 is piv- Levee/is otally attached to the lever 25, and is adapt-A ed to give a reciprocating movement to the bender-plate apin36 carried by the atiixing lever 30.

A spring 33 is adapted uto raise the( aiiixing lever 30. This spring isattachedone end to said lever y30 and at'the other end to the frame 46. This spring is so'proportioned with relation to the strength of the spring 37 that when pressure is appliedrto the lever 33 the spring 38 will yield before the-spring 37 yields. The spring 37 is attached at one end to a lug 37'a on the lever This lever is actuated by 30, and at the other endito alug 33a onthe.,

`lever 33.v

The spring 39 is attached to the benderplate carrying lever 25 by means of a lug` 25a, andat the other end to the frame Y4G by means ofA a pin 46% The spring 39 is. adapted to hold the blldel-PlaCQ-LC-2LrryILg. lever 25 in its elevated position, as `Shown in Fig. l, until a lug 40, projecting laterally from the atiixing lever 30, strikes an opp,os-. ing` lug 4l on said lever 25. The furthe;1 downwardv movement. of the afflxing leve-r Vcauses the tension of the spring 39 to be overcome and the lever 25 to be moved downwardly. The downward movement of the lever 25 will be never greater than about i one-fourth of an inch, as shown by two consecutive positions of said levers occurring in said Figs. 3 and 4.

Another element ofmy mechanism which I willnientionat this time isa smallwire spring or finger 44, which is adapted to press a new stamp 22a (F ig. 4) forwardly a small.. distanceafter its end 43 has been severed from the end 42 ofthe preceding.v stamp22. The purpose of this is to carry the end `of. the stamp 43 over the lower portion 34nrof the severing lever into a position where it. will be bent .forwardly thereby in the return movement of the severing lever 33.

Thus far some of the essential parts of my invention have been enumerated. briey for. the purpose of making the following description more easily comprehended. The bal-.- ance of the specification will be more eX- haustive in the matter of details.

Referring again to the reel 21, it willbe seen to be supported'by-a pin 45, which is sol fixed to the main frame-46 by a nut 51. Thev Y Y y parts is to facilitate convenient renewal of the roll of stamps.-

TheV rollers 26 and 27 are preferablymounted on the pins 52 and 53, which are threaded at 55 and 56 into the body of the benderplate-carrying lever 25. The pins are shouldered against said lever, as shown at 55u and 56a. The outer ends of the pins 52 and 53 are held in proper relation, or spaced, by a small oval plate 54.

After passing between the rollers 26 and 27, the ribbon enters a groove or channel 57, formed in the laterally projecting portion 57 of the lever 25. This channel is formed between the lip 58 at the outer edge and the main body of the lever at the other side.

The ribbon 20 is held in position in this groove by the flat spring member 59, which is secured to the lever 25 by the rivets 59. This spring member 59 bears upon the ribbon with a pressure sufficient to hold it in place while the feeding of the ribbon is being effected and while the bender-plate 29 is being actuated and other operations are being performed upon it.

The bender-plate 29 is fitted to the outer face of the laterally projecting portion 57 and is held in position thereon and guided by screws 60. These screws enter slots 61 in the bender-plate, and thereby serve as guides The bender-plate is rovided with lateral projections or lugs 62, etween which the end of the lever 35 is inserted. This lever is pivotally attached to the lever 25 by a pin 63, which is threaded in said lever 25 and shouldered against the same. The lever 35 is provided with an upwardly projecting arm or tongue 64, having a face 64 which is normally perpendicular to a radius extending through the pin 36 and the pivotal center 7 0 of the aflixing lever 30. This pin 36, therefore, normally holds the bender-plate 29 in its lowermost position, as shown in Fig. 1.

The downward movement of the benderplate serves to produce a final feeding movement of the stamps. as will appear later in this specification. The stamp 22 is moved by said plate to the proper position for the engagement of the a'l'iixing lever 30 therewith and for the tongue 80"L to hold the stamp against the face 31 of said lever.

The downward movement of the plate 29 is effected by the pin 36 when it strikes the curved shoulder 64b of the lever 35.

The lever 35 is also provided with a notch or shoulder 65, which lies in the path of the pin 36 when the lever 30 moves downwardly. By this means the lever is given an oscillation which effects an upward move ment of the bender-plate 29 preparatory to a subsequent feeding movement of the ribbon.

The bender-plate-actuating lever 35 is also provided with a face 66, along which the pin 36 slides after it has moved out of the notch 65. This permits further movement of the pin'36` after `it has given the desired extent of movement to the lever 35. The face 66 has the further function of retaining the lever 35 in a desired osition which will support the bender-plate 1n its elevated position during the eXtreme lower portion of the movement of said pin 36. (See Figs. 3 and l) The bender-pl ate lever 35 is given two ofi`- sets 68 and 69 (Fig. 6) to permit it to pass around the upright portion of the lever 25 and to lie in the plane thereof. The arm 351L of said bender-plate lever occupies an opening 67 in the lever 25, and its reduced end 35" enters the space between the lugs 62, previously described. It is adapted to slide between the said lugs when it is imparting a reciprocating movement to the benderplate.

The allixing lever 30 'is preferably pivotally mounted upon the pin 70, which is fixed to the frame 46. The pin preferably is shouldered at 71 into a boss 46 and is securely held in position by a nut 72. The lever 30 is provided with a sleeve or hub 74:, of considerable length at its point of bearing upon the pin 70. The purpose of this length is to produce a steadying effect upon the lever and to insure its accurate movement. This long hearing, however, is not essential, as I have found that the circular hub portion 30u of the lever holds it very accurately and securely when the said hub portion lies flatly against the frame 46.

The bender-platecarrying lever 25 is also pivotally supported by the pin 70. I preferably mount the elongated hub 73 thereof upon the exterior of the hub or sleeve 74. In like manner, this elongated sleeve or hub may he omitted and the circular hub portion 25L may be made to lie closely against the face of the lever 30, or be separated therefrom by a washer 25". ln like manner, the washer 30h-shown in dotted lines-may space the lever 3() from the frame 46.

The alixing lever 3() carries the severing lever 33, which is pivotally mounted on the said ailixing lever by means of a pin 75. The severing lever is provided with laterally projecting wings 76 toreceive the pressure of the fingers of the operator.

The severing lever is held in its normal position with relation to the ailixing levers, as shown in Fig. 1, by the tension of the spring 37. The lateral projection 34 bears against the allixing lever at the point 34" and the movement caused by the tension of the spring 37 is thereby limited. The tension of this spring 37 is considerably greater than the tension of the spring 38, and when pressure is applied to the severing lever at 76. the a'flixing lever is carried downwardly with said severing lever.

The downward movement of the afflixing lever is limited only by the envelop or package 23 which it strikes.' When the aiixing lever is thus stopped, further press-ure on 4the end .of the severing: levercaiflses :the latter to rotateabout the pivotv l75, and this rotary movement ycauses the lower cutting ledge ft to sever the adjacent'portion-of the ribbon from 4the first =or .end stampQQ. (See Fig. l).

The aflixing lever carries a pin 77, which,

is adapted to` operate certain mechanism whereby the wiper 32 is moved across-.the gummedl surface of the stampl during,- `the latter portion ofl the Adownward movement 0f the valixing lever. This mechanism comprises a wiper lever 7S, pivoted at 79 to fthe fram e 46; Y The wiper 32 is preferably integral with .an arm 80, which carriesit and| which is pivotally attached :at: SOLL toy the K wiper lever-'78.

The wiper arm 8O is drawn toward the wiper lever78 by the tensionl spring 81,

whichis attachedfto-said-wiper arm atf'S-Q',

and tothe .wiper lever at S3.' The normal tendency, therefore, of theV spring-:81v is *tof move the wiper upwardly, and 1n the; normal'r position of; the partsthe wiper istherebyt held against the moisture-depositing` wick 89.

The wiper 32 is prov-idedwith a laterally projecting lugrS/l, which is adapted to bear upon theV lower: edge 85 of the frame 46. This lower edge of the frame is given'. af curved-form at-85 .and 85a,which thus has the natureof al cam. The shape offthe curveAV is such aste-properly guide the wiperA intov contact with the gummed@ surface ofthe stamp andto maintain said lContact, during its travel across thestamp :while the latterE is being moved downwardly by the aftxing;

lever. y

The small upwardly turnedfpartV 85.a of

the curve isvforthe purpose ,of permittingjrl the wiper to comeinto close contact w1th the moisture-depositing device. atv the terminal' of the return stroke The-wiper lever-78 is givena curved form,

at 86, of such nature as will permit the pm:

77 to impartito the lever the desiredmovement, which, iny turn, will give to the wiper i arm 8O 'the proper forwardY stroke above,y

described. The curve 8.6- terminates inv a ra dial 5 portione87, which permits thel wiper lever to remain stationaryduring the eX-V treme lower portion of thedow'nward Inovementfof the pin 77 During this part of the movement-thelpin will 'move along: the line- 87 without imparting anyinovement to the During this time the wiperv 32 willV lever. restagainst the under surface-of the curved part 85,. adjacent its eXtreme rightrhand end.`

The wiper-,leveris also provided wit-h -an-V otherv straight portion 88,` at :the upper; terminal 'vof the curved surface 86. Y, The-pur poseof this straight portion is to permit the pin 77 to slide thereon duringfthe eXtremev upperportion of the movementof `the afliiinglever, withoutamparting any. movement to thewiperj-lever; Thevtwo straight por-V Y tions 87: and 881Will fbefse'en tobesoldispos'edf as to permit-cfaperiodiof rest for the'wiper lenerifat each fend'ef the downward inovfef :nenti-of the 'afhaling'lever..y In llike manner,

' therewill be a,corre'spending,` periodfof resty at each end r4of the 4upward 'movementfofsaidf lever. During the intermediate j por-tion l of the downward:movement of the ai'xing lever, vthe 'wiper' willi-be' 'causedt'o .move across thegunnned surface offthe stamprwhichisA beingoperated `npon by said aliixing lever. r

Duringv this movement othewiper across 'e thegunnnedf'csurfaceof the" stamp, it islfexsertinlg, a pressurethereon, due to the tension ofthespring= l81, and-the 'stamp is thereby iirinly yhel'dagainst the lower fia'cef of: the

alixing lever, and'r-sai-dleverf is thereby enabl'efd to securely'en'gagethestampi Bys-this means the .stampi l is preventedfr'om :slidingrL` away from' the aiiixingflever.- y

rlhe-endbfthe` wick'r 89 has a'po'sition directly above thewiper'BQ in'itsnormalf position and leads therefrom into fthe water" in fthefwater-box 90; This water-box is provided with4 an; upper wall, which: prtoj'ects'` hold-it firmlyagainst over; theL wick at; 9@a to the wiper.: y

.The `water-box isadjustable in itsposition with relationftofthe' wiper, in-orderffth'atfa greater; or `lesser amount of` the'Y surface xof=` the end ofthe wickmay be caused to bears upon the wiper. By thismeans thevquantity ofmoisture deposited upon the wiper: may be-regulated. v

This adjustment consists-in the-movementf o f the water-box f90 in' ai horizontal direc- ,tionL from leftf to Yfright, or Ain thel reverse direction, -and` isJ effected by: means:l of a This thumb screw` isthumb screw, 91. threaded 'throughfa supporting post 92`fiXed to the framework. Alug-QS is iXed-tothewater-box, and washers or collars'94 and -disposed'at opposite-,sides ofthe said: lug-andattached tothe screw Ell-permit the screw to; impart they desired 1 horizontal movement tothefwaterbox Y In Vorder to` provide for varying, thick-k nesses `indifferent parts of4 thesame'v enl velop or package as-it-lies-uponthe--base1 24,11 have provided` a tilting ,portion 'in said base.l If? oneportion of the envelop is thicker than another, the tiltingportionf-98- the operator lirst places a letter or-'package above the. base- 24, with ,onev edge resting against the vertical portion 24a. of the frame.y

This will cause the letter to occupy the correct position for receiving the stamp.

He then presses the atlixing lever and severing lever downwardly, by placing his` hand or fingers upon the wings 7 6 of said severing lever. The pressure of his hand thusl exerted will cause the said leversl to move downwardly together, the tension of the spring 37 preventing the severing lever from moving with relation to the aliixing lever.

While moving downwardly the under surface 31 of the laterally projecting part of the attixing lever and the lower surface of the lateral projection 34L of the severing lever 33 come into engagement with the face of the stamp 22. The tongue or finger' 550L presses the stamp firmly against the levers and prevents the stamp from being drawn away from them.

The continued downward movement of the levers causes the ribbon to be drawn along iny a feeding movement between the spring 59 and the lateral projection 28 of the bender-plate-carrying lever. The ribbon is also drawn through the rollers 26 and 27.

At about this point in the operation the pin 77 comes into engagementI with the curved portion 86 of the wiper lever 78 and causes the wiper to begin its forward movement across the gummed face of the stamp. rit about this same instant the pin 36 comes into engagement with the notch 65 in the lever 35, and the bender-plate 29 is caused to move upwardly, preparatory to a final feeding and positioning movement during the subsequent return movements of the affixing lever.

The continued downward movement of the afiixing and severing levers causes a continued feeding movement of the ribbon. The positions which the parts occupy when the atlixingand severing levers have reached the stamp are shown in Fig. 2.

VThe afiiXing lever continues its downward movement until the lug 40 thereon meets the lug 41 on the bender-plate carrying lever. The positions of the partel atithis moment are shown in Fig. 3. lt will be seen that the wiper hasA moved entirely across the gummed face of the stamp and is resting upon the extreme lower right hand end of the cam face 85 of the frame. At this moment the pin 77 has reached the straight portion 87 at the edge of the wiper level-i7541 and no further movement of said lever will be caused by the continued downward movement of the pin 77. Tn like manner, the pin 36 will be seen to have enierged from the notch 65 and to be sliding upon the straight portion 66 of the lever 35. No further movement of the lever 35 will therefore be caused by the continued downward movement of the pin 36. The bender-plate 29 willtherefore remain in its elevated position until a return movement of the pin causes it to engage the curved shoulder 64 of said lever 35.

The further and final downward movement o-l? the aflixing lever and severing lever causes them to press the stamp 22 upon the envelop 23. During this part of the movement the lever 25 is also moved downwardly. It will now be seen that the downward movenient of the altixing lever is arrested. A continued pressure of the operators fingers upon the end 76 of the severing lever will anse an oscillation thereof about its pivot 75, and the extreme lower edge 34, or cutting edge` will be caused to sever the remaining portion of the ribbon 20 from the stamp 22, which latter is at this moment being firmly held in Contact with the envelop 23. The end 43 of the ribbon will thus be separated from the edge 42 of the stamp 22, and the small spring finger 44 will cause the end of the ribbon to be pressed forwardly over the laterally projecting portion 34a of the severing lever. The rotary movement of the severing lever may be stopped by the Contact of the edge 34 with the water-box, or by any other suitable stop.

The stamp is now atlixed to the envelop, and the downward movement of all the parts is terminated. This position of the parts is shown in Fig. 4.

In the return movement of the parts, the severing lever will promptly return to its normal position with relation to the afliX- ing lever. This will loe due to the preponderating tension of the spring 37 with relation to the spring 39.

This movement of the severing lever will cause the lateral projection 34 thereof to strike the gunnned face of the stamp or the end stamp of the ribbon 20 now remaining. The continued movement of the lever will cause it to bend the stamp 22 along the line of perfor-ations to the angular position previously occupied by the stamp 22, as above described. l have found that this bending action is very easily performed when the gunnned surface occupies the outer side of the bend. In other words, when the gummed surface is on the tension side in the operation of bending, the said bending promptly occurs at the line of perforations. even though the adjacent parts of the ribbon are not held or supported by any member of the mechanism in close proximity to said line of perforations. This is the condition that obtains in the mechanism described. It will be seen that the gummed surface of the stamp is struckby the lateral projection 347 which bends it in the manner above described.

The return movement of the parts is now quickly effected by the springs 3S and 39. During the upward movement the pln 77 comes into engagement with the straight porton of the :wiper Vlever 7 8` and. rest-.ores

it to .itsnormal position. rI`his .causes-the wiper 32ito lbe drawngback intolengagement with the,moisture-depositing wick 89. f DurinO thisneturn,movementof.the Wi er 32 causesit .to effect akinal feedingamovement and.positioninge yof theY ribbon 20 and sta-mpJ 22ai During-the upward movement ofthe parts the, lever 25is. stopped by any suitable means,

anda in the drawings.itisgshown asbearing SOL upon theunder side .of the enlarged yportion of the pin. 45', whichthus'serves.-4 asY a stop. In like .ma-nner, the aiii-Xi-ng leven ,30; mayfbe stopped; in itsk upward; movement by: the` pin 45', ori by the downward projection t5?v thereof, or other suitable means.

Inthemodiication shown inFigsrl'?, 18 and' 19. Ii yhave om-itted .the wiper r32 andr its forwardly projecting tongue. 80EL by which the stamp 22 is held in close contact withthe aiiixing lever. I. have found that-Ii' can allow the stamp 22 to. vstrike the enivelop 23 at its lower extremity, andrtfhatlthe said' envelop will retain the stampin an angular position to a. sutlieient extent tov permit the desired engagement of. the severing; lever therewith. In order toipermitthis, Ii'proportion the parts in such manner; that the space between the'base ofi themachine and the atliXing and severing levers at thetime of'thei-r engagement with the stampwill be lessthan in the form previously described. If provide teeth 34D) at-the' edgeof'the severing lever which are kadapted to enterthe perforations between the stamps.

As af further modification `I havechanged the wire ii'nge'rll4L to a flat member 44a having a width'substantially equaly to that of the ribbonof stamps. vI have made `this-finger-4iat of alittle greater length than` the finger-4A a'ndihave added the slots 44 thereto. 'The remaining tonguesetibproject below and forward-ly Aofthe bender-plate 29. I: preferably modify the bender-plate 2.9,also inthe matter of reducing 'itsflenfgth topermit aX free cooperation between thesevering lever and Sai'lftongues- I have also added theslots 29a Vto the bender-plate2`9i asshown in Fig; Y

Ylith the modifications of the parts shown in Figs (15.7, .181 and 199.12138 lewf @des .ofthe severing, level? 1S .adapted it@ enges@ .the rib!- loonr of stamp s andL press it *againstl the yiinger 44a ata point in thecurvature thereof neve-ias indicated; by the, reference numeral 44d. The teeth Bthwlltent'er the-,perforations between the sinmpsandy a; continued: downwardimovement of the severing ylever will: cause it to effect a. feeding movementofthe ribbon-.off stamps. During, this part of the operations the lowermost stamp. 22 will assume a. position about as shown. in thev dotted' lines 22X.

.The continued movement of the `severingl'ever willfoause it `to move around the rounded? ends of the tongues 44th until the lower'extremit-y oii the stamp'I stri-kes theenvelop 23 orl the base ofthe machine, as-the casemay be, as shown vat 22y. -This will: arrest the angular movement of the 'stampandA a con-.

Vthe *operations will continue in the same manner as described before.

I vhave further found that in the return movements the end of a new stamp will strike the upper surface 31a .of the laterally projecting portion 31 of: the aiiiXing lever. This is shown bythe dotted lines22w.

The operation` of bending thestamp to its angular position is; therefore,rperformed' by theA laterally pro3ecting portion 3 1 very largely insteadof by the severing lever in its return movement.

If'the envelop, or likepackagevvaries in thickness in different parts, the plate 98 will tilt sufficiently to permit the aiiixing lever to bear with a uniform pressure uponlitsupper surface.

In case it is desired todeliver stamps un- Amoistened or in a dry VconditionLit. isnecessary only to operate the screw 91 in such a `direction as to draw the water-box ayvay from the Wiper.y When the end of the wick atA 89 is farenough avvayfrom the wiper in thenormal position of the. latter to-prevent depositing of water on it, thestamps will be deliveredv dry. The attiXing lever will then press the dry stampagainst the base of the machine, providedj an envelop or other object is not inserted. In allotlien respects the machine vwill operatein the mannerperviouslyl described'.

While Ihave described my invention more or less minutely and as being embodiedV in certain precise forms7 Ido not wish to be yundenstood i as lim itingmyself unduly thereto. Qn the contrary.2V I, contemplate changes in form, construction, and proportion of parts, and the substitution ofequvalents as circumstances may suggestor render expedimy invention.

I claim:

l. In a machine of the class described, means for engaging a stamp, or the like, of a series in ribbon form, for imparting thereto a feeding movement, and a resisting element in the path of said stamp and said means adapted to receive the pressure thereof subsequent to the feeding movement.

2. In a machine of the class described, means adapted to bend a stamp, or the like, of a series thereof having the form of a ribbon to a position forming an angle with said series, means adapted to engage said stamp and to impart to said series a feeding movement, a resisting element against which said means is adapted to press said stamp, and means for moistening the gummed side of said stamp.

3. In a machine of the class described, means for bending a stamp or the like, of a series thereof having the form of a ribbon to a position forming an angle With said series, means adapted to flatly engage one side of said stamp, means adapted to engage the opposite side of said stamp and produce a yieldable pressure thereon, and a yielding pressure element lying in the path of said first engaging means.

It. In a machine of the class described, means for bending a stamp, or the like, of a series thereof having the form of a ribbon to a position forming an angle With said series, an affixing member adapted to flatly engage the face of said stamp, a movable wiping member adapted to engage the gummed side of said stamp and produce a yieldable pressure thereon, and a resisting element lying in the path ofsaid affiXing member.

5. In a machine of the class described, means for bending a stamp, or the like, of a vseries thereof having the form of a ribbon to a position forming an angle with said series, an affixing member adapted to flatly engage the face of said stamp, a movable wiping member adapted to engage the gummed side of said stamp and produce a yieldable pressure thereon, a moisture-supplyingelement for said wiping member, and a resisting element lying in the path of said affixing member.

G, In a machine of the class described, means for bending a stamp, or the like, of a series thereof having the form of a ribbon to a position forming an angle with said series, an aflixing member adapted to flatly engage the face of said stamp, a movable wiping member adapted to engage the gummed side of said end stamp and produce a yieldable pressure thereon, a moisture-supplying element for said wiping member, a resisting element lying in the path of said affixing member, and means for vsevering said stamp from said ribbon.

7. In a machine of the class described, an afiixing member adapted to engage a stamp of a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding movement thereof, a severing element carried by said aflixing member and adapted to sever the remaining portion of said series of stan'ips from said stamp when the movement' of said afiixing` member is arrested, and a refractive element for restoring said aflixing member to its normal position.

8. In a machine of the class described, an afiixing member adapted to engage a stamp of a Iseries having the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding n'iovement thereof, a severing elcment carried by said aiiixing member and adapted to sever the remaining portion of said series of stamps from said stamp when the movement of said atiixing member is arrested, said severingelement being adapted to receive the actuating force and to transmit said force to said aflixing member, and a reti-active element for restoring said afl'ixing member to its normal position.

9. In a machine of the class described, an afiixing member adapted to engage a stamp of a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding movement thereof, a severing element carried by said a'lfixingl member and adapted to sever the remaining portion of said series of stamps from said stamp when the movcn'lent of said aflixing member is arrested, said severing element being` adapted to receive the actuating force and to transmit said force to said affixing member, a refractive element adapted to maintain the normal relation of said afiixing element and said severing element until the movement of said aflixing element is arrested and to restore said relation when the actuating force is removed, and a refractive element for restoring said affixing member to its normal position.

10. In a machine of the class described, an affixing element adapted to engage a stamp of a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a 'feeding movement thereof, and a severing element movably attached to said aflixing element and forming a part thereof, said severing element being adapted to move away 'from said aliixing element and sever the adjacent portion of the ribbon from said stamp when the movement of said afiixing element is arrested.

ll. In a machine. of the class deseribetl. an affixing element adapted to engage a stamp of a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a 'feeding movement thereof, and a severing element movabl)v attached to said afiixing element and 'forming a part thereof` said severing clementv being adapted to move away from said afiixing element and to sever the adjacent portion of the ribbon from said stamp when the movement of said affixinlg element is arrested, said severing element being, also adapted to benda stamp of the remaining portion' of said ribbon to an angular position with relation thereto.

1.2. In a machine of the class described,

an aflixing element adaptedto engage a stampof a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding lmovement thereof, a severing element movably attached to said afliiX-ingelemfent and yforming a part thereof, said severing element being adapted' to move away fromv said aliiXing element and to sever the adjacent portion of the ribbon from said stamp Whenf the movement of said aflixing element is arrested, said; severing element being also-adapted to bend a stampof the remaining portion of sa-id ribbon to an angular position Withfrelation thereto when returning to its normal position with relation to said a'HiXing element, andy means for causing the return of said severing element to said normal position.

13. Ina machine of thek class described, an afiXing element adapted to engage a stamp of aserieshaving the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding movement thereof, a severing element movably attach-ed to saidaiiixing element and forming a part thereof, saidy severing element being adapted to move away from saidaiiixing element and to sever the adjacent portion of the ribbon from said stamp W-henthe movement ofsaid aiixing element isy arrested, said severing element being also adaptedY to bend another stamp of'the'remaining portion of said ribbon to anV angular position With relation thereto, and means for retaining said second. named` stamp in saidy angular position untill severed from said ribbon.

14; In av machine of` the class described, an. afliXing element adapted to engage a stamp of a series-having the form of a ribbon andv to causel a feeding movement thereof, a severing: element movably attachedA to said affixing element and forming a part thereof, said severing elementbeing adapted to move away from said. aliixing element and to sever the adjacent portion of the ribbonv from said stamp Whenthe movement of said aiiXing element is arrested, said severing element being also adaptedto bend another stamp of the remaining portion= of said ribbony to an angular position with relation thereto, means fory retaining said second named stampl in said angular position until severed from said ribbon, and means for causing said retaining means to move across the gummed side of said second named stamp.V

15. In a. machine of the class described, an afixing element adapted to engage a stamp of'a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding movement thereof, a severing element` movably attached to said aiiiXing element and forming a 4part thereof, 'said severing element being adapted to move away from saidV aflixing .element and to sever Vthe `adjacent portion lsaid second named stamp, 'sa-id retaining means having a moisture-carrying portion, and Ymeans for depositing moisture on said portion.v t

16. In a machine of the class described, an aliiXing element adapted to engage a stamp of a series'having-the form of a ribbon and to.l cause ai feeding movement thereof, a severing element movably attached tofsaid aflixing element and forming a part thereof, saidsevering element being adapted tov move a-vvay from said aiiixing element and sever the adjacent portion of the ribbon from said stamp When the' movement of said affiXing element is arrested, said severinglelement being also adapted to bend another stamp of the remaining portionof said ribbon to an angularposition With relation thereto, means forv retaining said second-named stamp inl said, angular position until severed front" said ribbon,v means for causing said retaining means to move across the gummed sideof said bent stamp, said retaining means havingv ainoisture' carrying portion, means for depositing moisture on said portion, andv means for ad-v j usting, said moisture-depositing means with relation to'said carrying. portion.

17, In a machine of the class described, an

alfixing element adapted to engage a stamp of a series having the form of a ribbon and to cause a feeding movement thereof,a severing element. movably attached to said afixing Aelement and forming a part thereof, said severing element being adapted to 'move away from said aliiXing element and sever the adjacent Vportion of the ribbon from said stamp When the movement of said affxing element is arrested, said severing element being also adapted to bend another stamp of the remainingv portion of said ribbon t0 an angular position with relation thereto, means for retaining said second named stamp in said angular position untilsevered from said ribbon, means for causing said retainingmeans to move-across thegummed side ofsaid second named stamp, said retaining means having a moisture-carryingy portion, means for depositingzmoisture on said portion, .means for adjusting said moisturedepositing; means kWith relation'to said carrying portion, and means for supporting an envelop, package, or the like, in the path of said aiiixing element.

18. In a machine o'tl the class described, an aiiixing element adapted to engage a stamp of a series having the form oit' a ribbon and to canse a feeding movement thereof, a severing element niovably attached to said afIiXing element and forming a part thereof, said severing element being adapted to move away from said a'tiixing element and sever the adjacent portion of the ribbon from said stamp when the movement of said aIiXing-eleinent is arrested, said severing element being also adapted to bend another stamp of the remaining portion of said ribbon to an angular position with relation thereto, means for retaining said second named stamp in said angular position until severed from said ribbon, means for causing said retaining means to move across the gummed side of said second named stamp, said retaining means having a moisture-carrying portion, means for depositing moisture on said portion, means for adjusting said moisture-depositing means with relation to said carrying portion, and means supporting an envelop, package, or the like, in the path of said aiiixing element, said supporting means being adapted to move to an angular position with relation to said attixing means.

19. In a machine of the class described, means for holding a coil of stamps or the like having the form of a ribbon, means for holding the end portion in' position to be operated upon by feeding mechanism, a secondary bending element around which the first or end stamp of said ribbon may be bent, a primary bending element ior performing the bending operation, a tension member adapted to bear upon one side of said ribbon opposed to said secondary bending element and to press said ribbon to a position between said primary and said seeondary bending elements.

20. In a ldevice of the class described, the

combination of means for holding a supplyV of stamps in the form of a ribbon, means for feeding said ribbon and afiixing the end stamp thereof to an envelop, means supporting said ribbon adjacent the end stamp and adapted to move said ribbon, coperating means between said afi'ixing means and said moving means whereby said moving means is positively actuated by the atlixing means when thelatter is moved into engagement With the former, substantially as described.

21. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for holding a supply of stamps or the like in the form of a ribbon, means for feeding said ribbon, means for atlixing the end stamp thereof to an envelop or the like, means movablysnpported for engaging an intermediate portion of said ribbon adjacent the said end stamp, said movable means adapted for movement by the atlixing means immediately preceding the ailixing ol said end stamp, substantially as described.

22. In a machine oil the class described, the combination ol means 'l'orliolding a supply oi stamps or the like in the form oi' a ribbon, means loil feeding said ribbon, means for atlixing the end stamp thereof to an envelop or the like, means 'for in( 'ably support-ing an intermediate portion of the ribbon adjacent said end stamp, said movable means adapted for engagement and movement by said atlixing means immediately prior to the aflixing o't' said stamp, and a means for retracting said supporting means, substantially as described.

23. In a machine ot' the class described, means for holding a series oi stamps having the 'forni 0ic a ribbon, means for bending the Iirst or end stamp at an angle to said ribbon, and means for engaging said end stamp and moving said ribbon with i'elation to said holding means, said engaging means being also adapted to move said stamp toward and against an envelop or the like.

2-1. In a machine of the class described, means lor holding a series of stamps having the lorm ol a ribbon, means t'or bending the first or end stamp at an angle to said ribbon, and means Jfor engaging said end stamp and moving said ribbon with relation to said holding means, said engaging means being also adapted to move said stamp toward and against a pressure-receiving element in said machine.

25. In a machine of the class described` means for holding a series ot' stamps having the form o'l a ribbon, a secondary bending element around which a stamp may be bent, a primary bending element tor pressing said stamp around said secondary bending element, and means 'for pressing said stamp between said bending elements.

2G. In a machine oi? the class described, means for holding a series o't' stamps having the -lorni oli a ribbon, a secoi'idary bending element around which a stamp may be bent, a primary bending element t'or pressing said stamp around said secondary bending elen'ient, and means for pressing said stamp between said bending elements, said secondary elementy being movable and adapted to engage said stampr and ell'ect a 'feeding and positioning movement tliereoi.

27. vIn a machine of the class described, means for holding a supply o'l stamps having the iorin of :i ribbon, guiding means for said'ribbon, yieldable holding means for the end portion o'l said ribbon` and means for engaging the end portion oi said ribbon and drawing it through said yieldable holding means.

Q8. In a machine of the class described, means for holding a supply of stampshaving the form of a ribbon, guiding means for said ribbon, yieldable holding means `for the end portion of said ribbon, means `for engaging the end portion of said ribbon and drawing itnthrough said yieldable holding means, Yand means for afiixing a stamp of said ribbon to an envelop or the like.

-29.'In a machine of the class described, means for holding a supply of stamps having the form of a ribbon, guiding means for said ribbon, yieldablefholding means for the end portion of said ribbon, saidholding means being also movable, means for engaging the end portion oi' said ribbon and drawing it through said yieldable holding means,and means for aiiixing a stamp of said ribbon to an envelop or the like, said afiixing means being adapted to` engage and move said holding means during the latter part oi its aliXing movement. i y

30. In a machine of the class described, means for holding a supply of stamps having the form of a ribbon, yieldable holding means for the end portion of ribbon, said yieldable holding means being also movable, and means for guiding said ribbon from said supply to said yieldable hold- Ving means, said guiding means being mounted on said yieldable and movable holding means.

3l. In a machine of the class described, means for yieldably holding the end portion of a supply of stamps hai/ing the form of a ribbon, means for engaging a stamp of said ribbon and drawing it Ythrough said yieldable holding means, and means carried by said holding means for adjusting Vsaid stamp in said `holding means with relation to, said engaging means.

y32. In a machine of the class described, means for yieldably lholding the endpoltion of a supply lof stamps having the form of a ribbon', means for engaging a stamp of said ribbon and drawing it through said yieldable holding means, and means carried by said `liolding means for adjusting said stamp` in said holding means Witlirelation to said engaging means, said engaging means being adapted to actuate said adjustingmeans.

3.3. VIn a machine of the class described, means for yieldably holding the endportion of a supply of stamps having they forln'Of a ribbon, means foi1 engaging a ,stampfof said ribbon and drawing it through said yieldable holding means, and means carried by said holding means foradjusti'ng said Astamp in saidV holding means With relation to said engaging; means, `said i adjusting means being also adapted to serve as a bending element around which said stamp is bent to a position :forming an angle with said ribbon.

34. In amachine of the/class described, means for yieldably holdingv the end portion of a supply of stamps having the form ofv a ribbon,ineans.for engaging a stamp ofsaid ribbon and` drawing it through said yieldable holding means, and meansfcarried by said holding means for Aadjusting said stamp in said holding means with relation to said yieldable holding means, andmeans carried by said holding means yfor adjusting said stamp in said holding means with relation to said engaging means, said adjusting means being also adaptedfto serve-as a bending element around which stamp is lbent to apostien forming an, wel@ with said ribbon, Said engaging means, als@ being Maiet.-v

ed to serve as an oppc singv bendinglelement .and as a severing element vby which the adfrom a Stamp,-

36. In a machine of the character described, meansfor feedinga series of stamps .having the form of a ribbon, and a resisting element in the path of said vribbon adapted to cause a stamp thereof to bend at an angle to said ribbon. l.

.37,v In a machine of the character de,- scribed, means for feeding a series of stamps having 1th@ form 0fA a ribbon. aresstng element inthe path o said ribbonadaptedto fcause a stamp` thereofto bendl at an angle to said ribbon, andmeans forfpressing said stamp, 'against said resisting element.,`

38. 'In av machine ofthe characterqde- 1 scribed, means for feeding a ser-ies of stamps nl iaving the formoia ribbon, arrresisting elee ment iny the path -of saidribbonvadapted to -Caus a ,Stamp thereof. t0, bend at. ysalariale t@ Said ribbon,` means `for Dressing' Said A.

stamp, against said resisting', element, and WMS for Severmssald. :Sia-.mie .irwiithe ad:- .iaent portlolr y@if-theribbon Whileunder pressure. V e ,i ,j .Y I r l 39. Ina machineyof `the character,y described, Vmeans rior yieldably l holding va series of stamps or thelike havingthe form Of a ribbom means ,ferpressins @berend stamp of said ribbon away from the lgine 0f direCtiOeOf Seidl` ribben as -t-leavessad holding means. and; means, @Oiieratn'gf with Said Seconds :named means for .eneaslnesald stamp and. pwdiwilie; a; ,feedingY nomment vofl said ribbon. s l' f v 4.0- lIl; iffmashine- Of. the 'Character dsi113 jacent portionv of said ribbon S Severed seribed, means for yieldably liolding a series of stamps or the like liaving the form of a ribbon, means for pressing the end stamp of said ribbon away from the line of direction of said ribbon as it leaves said holding means, means eoperating with said second named means for engaging said stamp and producing a feeding movement of said ribbon, and a resisting element against which said stamp is moved by said engaging means to bend said stamp at an angle to said ribbon, and means for pressing said stamp against', said resisting element'J and severing said stamp from the adJaeent portion of the ribbon While under the presl5 sure of said means.

In testimony whereof, I have subscribed Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patenti, Washington, D. C. 

